Resin Bound Driveways Pros and Cons

Resin Bound Driveways Pros and Cons

If you are really considering a resin bound driveway it’s important to weigh up all the resin bound driveways pros and cons. 

Did You Know?

A very effective way of saving £1,000s and £1,000s is to simply revamp your existing surface. Regardless of whether it’s block paving, stamped concrete or even tarmac.

Watch the video below to find out how!

Resin Bound Driveways Pros and Cons – The Cons

1. Use a Reputable Company/ Installer

I know, I know….easier said than done.

There’s no regulation of resin bound installers/contractors (come to think of it there’s no regulation for any driveway installers/contractors!)

Why does this matter?

It matters because it means you have to be extra vigilant.

Maybe you’re thinking of upgrading your driveway to improve the look of your property?

Or to enhance the value?

Or both?

Vigilance should be at the forefront of your evaluation process when choosing a company or installer to carry out any work.

You want a resin bound installation that looks amazing, don’t you?

By ensuring the resin is from one of the UK’s premier resin manufacturers, and by using a reputable and professional driveway company/installer you will have a much better chance of success.

Unlike other paving surfaces that are more difficult to install such as decorative concrete, the outlay to start up in the resin side of the business are substantially lower, in comparison.

Unfortunately, this attracts some poorly experienced installers (I.E. General builders) and ‘shark paving companies.‘

And this reflects poorly on many of the diligent and professional contractors and installers out there.

Again we emphasise caution when choosing a company/installer.

If you’re purely driven by price; think twice!

Getting a driveway makeover on the cheap is tempting. Opting for a resin bound overlay can be up to half the cost of proceeding with a full excavation, laying of new sub base and laying of resin bound surface.

But, not all existing paving surfaces are suitable for an overlay.

We can help you find an installer. We can’t vouch for them or recommend a particular installer as the ultimate decision of who to use is yours. But we can at least put you in the right direction.

2. Using the Right Type of Resin

There’s a big difference in the types of resin available. If you’re going for a darker stone and want an overall darker finish – protection from Ultra Violet (UV) from the sun, is less of a concern.

This is especially true if most of the area is shaded, because protection from UV is less important.

If you’re going for lighter coloured stone, and want a lighter resin finish, use a resin that offers UV protection.

Ensuring the even consistency of resin during a driveway or patio installation is crucial. This will help prevent ‘lifting’ and ‘patches’ appearing.

This Resin Bound Driveway Compliments the House

3. Size of Stone and Drainage

A smaller stone (aggregate) won’t allow surface water to drain as easily as a larger stone. Therefore, only use a smaller stone if drainage to bedding or drainage system is in place.

We consider a ‘full resin bound installation’ from start to finish, is always the best way to go. This means full preparation of substrate, new sub base (possibly with grid system) and a resin installation with appropriate aggregate. However, as mentioned above we know that budget is an important consideration for most of us. If you opt for an overlay of an existing concrete surface or tarmacadam surface, it’s very important to ensure any cracks are completely filled (by this we mean small cracks) otherwise there’s a bigger chance of paving surface failure in the future.

5. Heavy Trafficked Driveway?

Don’t choose resin as a paving surface for a driveway, if the area is heavily trafficked and/or vehicles regularly have to turn (like having to turn to reverse off drive). Frequent turning may cause resin to lift, so just don’t go there in the first place.

Resin Bound Driveways Pros and Cons – The Pros

With the negatives out the way let’s take a look a the advantages!

1. Resin Looks Fantastic 

Resin bound driveways are the modern looking driveway of choice. Lets be honest, many stand out and simply look stunning!

A professional installation enhances the appearance of any home.

A wide range of colour combinations are available, so it’s possible to either have a drive that blends in with it’s surroundings; or creating a driveway surface that gives a striking and visually stunning contrast, is also possible.

ENVY WARNING: If you want the neighbours to gawp with envy – show off with a resin bound driveway!

2. No Drainage Issues – The Really Important Part 

As long as a resin bound drive is installed correctly there should be no drainage issues.

The technology that allows water to go through resin is really neat – but we’ll leave it for the chemistry buffs to pat themselves on the back for that. But for a moment, just imagine water going through glue – awesomely clever.

**Important** Resin Driveways offer a permeable surface. But true permeability is only possible if the surface underneath is permeable too!

If there are slopes/gradients/falls then there shouldn’t be any drainage issues. Some companies also drill into existing concrete/tarmacadam surfaces to support water surface drainage. Caution is advised with this method as the sub base structure may be weakened.

Within the UK driveway market Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs for short) mean drainage is a top priority of any driveway installation.

3. Low Cost Resin Driveways

If a resin bound driveway can be installed onto an existing (suitable) sub base costs will reduce significantly. So expect to pay in the region of £70-£80 per square metre (excluding steps, walling etc) for an overlay.

4. Quick installation

As an overlay, a resin bound drive may be installed using the existing concrete or tarmacadam surface, as a sub base. this money and time. Even if groundworks (preparation and laying of sub base) are required, a resin bound installation can usually be completed within a week. 

5. Maintenance is Easy

There shouldn’t be weed/moss growth as long as the resin bound surface is kept clean. A pressure washer will do the trick as long as you take care with the pressure. This is a low maintenance option as a driveway surface and when looked after can give you many years of joy!

Looking to Enjoy Summer 2021?

Of course you are!

Getting the surfacing right is just part of the home improvement journey and key to enjoying life outdoors.

In post pandemic times with endless restrictions in both 2020 and 2021 it’s increasingly important to make the most out of our outdoor living spaces.

That means getting your patio or back yard area in shape.

What really sets a patio area apart is how you develop your landscaping and importantly your outdoor dining experiences!

Don’t worry – we have you covered!

Read this outdoor living post to get inspirational ideas and make summer 2021 a summer to remember!

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